The Ila people live in east-central Zambia along the bend of the Kafue River. In the heart of their homeland is a rock on which, they say, is the footprint of all creatures including humans. The Ila say that God dropped man at that spot and from there they started migrating in other directions.
Most Ila grow enough food to feed their families and to cover expenses for physical needs and their children's educational expenses. More educational and career opportunities are available in the larger towns and village centers. Some Ila raise animals such as chickens, goats, or pigs on a small scale, and occasionally cows, though that is usually for tradition and prestige. In fact, the belief that cows are a sign of wealth and value undergirds an Ila funeral tradition. The funeral ceremony lasts several days. On the seventh day after burial, cows are slaughtered. It is believed that the more that are killed, the greater the value of the dead person in the eyes of the community. Afterward, everyone goes home with enough meat to compensate for the time spent at the funeral.
Many Ila describe themselves as Christians, but the Ila are without a clear translation in their language. Ten chiefs have voiced a desire to have a new translation. One even stepped forward as a reviewer. A translation team including local Ila churches is bringing that desire closer to reality. Team members are working on a complete translation of the New Testament that will bring the truth of the Gospel to the Ila people.
Scripture Prayers for the Ila in Zambia.
Profile Source: Anonymous |
People Name General | Ila |
People Name in Country | Ila |
Alternate Names | Lumbu; Shukulumbwe |
Population this Country | 201,000 |
Population all Countries | 201,000 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 5 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
GSEC | 1 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
People ID | 12208 |
ROP3 Code | 103984 |
Country | Zambia | ||
Region | Africa, East and Southern | ||
Continent | Africa | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
National Bible Society | Website | ||
Persecution Rank | Not ranked | ||
Location in Country | Central and Southern provinces: Kafue river west bend, west of Sala [shq] language area. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Zambia |
Region | Africa, East and Southern |
Continent | Africa |
10/40 Window | No |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Location in Country | Central and Southern provinces: Kafue river west bend, west of Sala [shq] language area.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Religion: | Christianity |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 17.00 %) |
60.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
35.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
5.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Ila |
Language Code | ilb Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Ila |
Language Code | ilb Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Ila |
Primary Language: Ila
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1907-1937) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1915-2021) |
Bible-Complete | No |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
Audio Recordings | DAVAR Partners recording, New Testament | DAVAR Partners International |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in Ila | Jesus Film Project |
Film / Video | LUMO film of Gospels | Bible Media Group/LUMO |
Film / Video | My Last Day video, anime | Jesus Film Project |
General | Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text, audio, video | Faith Comes by Hearing |
General | Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
General | YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | Android Bible app: Ila | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | iOS Bible app: Ila | YouVersion Bibles |
Text / Printed Matter | Literacy primer for Ila | Literacy & Evangelism International |
Photo Source | Ken Sawka |
Profile Source | Anonymous |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |